Financial Assistance

Billing Information

Questions?A Representative from our Patient Accounts Department can answer questions about your hospital bill and assist with interpreting financial policies and billing procedures at the hospital.

A representative can be reached by calling 815-300-7087 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

What a Hospital Bill CoversThe hospital bill covers the cost of your room, meals, 24-hour nursing care, laboratory work, tests, medication, therapy, and the services of hospital employees. You will receive a separate bill from your physicians for their professional services. If you have questions about these separate bills, please call the number printed on each statement.

The hospital is responsible for submitting bills to your insurance company and will do everything possible to expedite your claim. You should remember that your policy is a contract between you and your insurance company and that you have the final responsibility for payment of your hospital bill.

Coordination of Benefits (COB)Coordination of Benefits referred to as COB, is a term used by insurance companies when you are covered under two or more insurance policies. This usually happens when both husband and wife are listed on each other's insurance policies, or when both parents carry their children on their individual policies, or when there is eligibility under two federal programs. This also can occur when you are involved in a motor vehicle accident and have medical insurance and automobile insurance.

Most insurance companies have COB provisions that determine who is the primary payer when medical expenses are incurred. This prevents duplicate payments. COB priority must be identified at admission in order to comply with insurance guidelines. Your insurance may request a completed COB form before paying a claim and every attempt will be made to notify you if this occurs. The hospital cannot provide this information to your insurance company. You must resolve this issue with your insurance carrier in order for the claim to be paid.

MedicareWe will need a copy of your Medicare card to verify eligibility and process your Medicare claim. You should be aware that the Medicare program specifically excludes payment for certain items or services, such as cosmetic surgery, personal comfort items, and other. Deductibles and co-payments are the responsibility of the patient.

MedicaidWe will need a copy of your current Medicaid card. Medicaid also has payment limitations on a number of services and items. Medicaid does not pay for the cost of a private room unless medically necessary.

Commercial InsuranceWe will ask for a copy of your insurance card. You will be asked to assign benefits from the insurance company directly to the hospital. If you are a member of an HMO or PPO, your plan may have special requirements, such as a second surgical opinion or pre-certification for certain tests or procedures. It is your responsibility to make sure the requirements of your plan have been met. If your plan's requirements are not followed, you may be responsible for all or part of the services rendered in the hospital.

AAHCP Hospital of Choice

* Physicians on Silver Cross Hospital’s Medical Staff have expertise in their areas of practice to meet the needs of patients seeking their care. These physicians are independent practitioners on the Medical Staff and are not the agents or employees of Silver Cross Hospital. They treat patients based upon their independent medical judgment and they bill patients separately for their services.